Millie, an innovative tech maternity clinic, has successfully secured $12 million in Series A funding to enhance its services and expand its presence, as announced on Thursday. This significant investment is poised to propel the startup forward in its mission to improve maternal care.
Based in San Francisco, Millie provides a comprehensive range of services including miscarriage management, lactation support, mental health counseling, prenatal education, and postpartum support groups. The clinic operates on a collaborative care model that integrates midwives, doulas, and physicians, delivering care through its user-friendly app and in-person clinics, albeit currently limited to California residents. Millie also collaborates with various health systems and accepts both commercial health insurance and Medicaid, making quality care accessible to a wider audience.
The Series A funding round was co-led by TMV and Foreground Capital, with contributions from Pivotal Ventures, March of Dimes Innovation Fund, Ingeborg Investments, BBG Ventures, Joyance, LearnStart, Amboy Street Ventures, Mother Ventures, Coyote Ventures, and Chai Ventures. This diverse group of investors reflects the growing interest in enhancing maternal health solutions.
Emma Silverman, partner at TMV, emphasized the transformative nature of Millie’s approach, stating, “We believe Millie has built the ideal model to drive better outcomes: midwifery-led care powered by both clinician and patient-facing technology, in partnership with health systems and payers. This model not only enhances maternal health but also holds substantial potential as Millie fosters long-term relationships beyond the maternity episode.”
The newly acquired funding will facilitate the opening of additional locations and the establishment of more partnerships with health systems throughout California, with future plans for expansion beyond the state. Anu Sharma, the founder and CEO of Millie, stated that the company aims to broaden its offerings to encompass the entire reproductive health journey, including fertility assessments.
Sharma passionately expressed, “Our primary focus is on maternity care, and we aspire to excel in this area. However, we also see ourselves as a comprehensive women’s health company dedicated to supporting women’s reproductive health throughout their lives.”
The motivation behind Sharma’s establishment of Millie stemmed from her personal experiences within the maternal healthcare system. Shortly after welcoming her daughter, Sharma faced a critical health issue, diagnosing herself with postpartum preeclampsia.
She recounted, “I found myself in an Uber, leaving my daughter with my husband, rushing back to the emergency room. I presented on the verge of a stroke and, quite literally, saved my own life. It was a shocking experience. Despite being knowledgeable about healthcare, well-resourced, and receiving care in one of the nation’s top hospitals, I almost lost my life.”
Sharma’s experience is not unique; many others grapple with the inadequacies of the current maternal healthcare system. According to March of Dimes, over 35% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, and the country faces a higher maternal mortality rate compared to other high-income nations. Several startups like Pomelo Care and Mae have also emerged to tackle these pressing issues.
Ultimately, Sharma envisions a future where more individuals feel adequately supported throughout their childcare journey. Her commitment to enhancing maternal health reflects a broader need for systemic change in the healthcare landscape.
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